“Putting shameless, extreme right-wing politics before women’s health has become one of the sad hallmarks of the Trump administration,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Today’s decision by the administration will only place at risk the lives of countless women and deny health care to those in need.”

“With President Trump and Vice-President Pence in the White House, Connecticut legislators, now more than ever, need to step up to protect women’s health care,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “Last year, the battle over women’s health issues returned to Connecticut in a big way. At every turn, Democrats in the Senate fought back against forces determined to undermine the progress we have made in our state.”

Recognizing the continued threat to women’s health care at the national level, Senate Democrats led passage of legislation that allows legislators to address any federal funding cuts to women’s health programs within 90 days.

“Women should make, and they should be supported when they make, their own medical decisions about their own bodies. HHS today turned back the clock on women’s rights and their right to choose what is appropriate for them” said state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague).

“Rest assured, despite today’s HHS directive, we in Connecticut stand ready to do everything we can to protect a woman’s right to reproductive healthcare,” said state Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford).

“The Trump Administration’s attacks on women’s health care never stop! These despicable decisions put the health and lives of American women in jeopardy. In Connecticut, we will stand up and protect women’s health care and fight the unrelenting actions of this disastrous administration,” said state Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson).

“It’s outrageous that the Republicans in Washington are cutting funding for Planned Parenthood,” Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) said. “The services they provide meet a critical need for millions of women across the country and thousands here in Connecticut. A reduction in their funding will be devastating for women’s healthcare.”